Dairy farming is a safe business for the following reasons:

• It is eco-friendly and does not cause environmental pollution as compared to other

industries.
• Requirement of skilled labour is relatively less.
• Dairy product market is active round the year.
• Minimum investment on inventory. (No need to stock raw materials in huge quantities.)
• Entire establishment can be shifted to a new location (if need arises e.g. Fire, Floods
etc.)
• One can insure animals.
• Less energy requirement. Biogas plant fed with cow dung can supply maximum energy to
meet farms day to day requirement. Decomposed slurry of such plant can also be
effectively used as organic manure.

Limitations and Constraints:

• Breeding of animals and getting expected milk yield is a biological phenomenon, which
depends upon various factors.
• Dairy farming besides good planning requires hardworking, reliable and alert manager. In
India, usually persons from the family take the responsibility.
• Inadequate management of feeding, herd health and lack of quality control in various
stage of production can cause major loss affecting the profitability of the entire venture.

One needs to decide first on the aims and objective of the farm. Every year there should be a
progressive aim for breeding (including number of animals to be maintained) and production.
You can visit dairy farms that run on commercial basis and have a discussion with experienced
farm owners.
You need not have to rely much on others experience, analyze every event logically and if
needed consult with local Veterinarians for more information.
If you plan to manage the farm on your own, look for opportunities to work for an existing farm for
a minimum period of six months.
Develop interest and study feed and fodder's market in your region, its difficulties in relation to
seasons.
Manage a good team of laborers.
You need to choose hardworking reliable persons preferably with some experience.
You can also train them for specific jobs.
Visit the cattle market occasionally.
Observe animals on sale and talk with persons engaged with purchasing of animals.
Read magazines on Dairy Industry and keep yourself informed.

Getting some initial professional training...

Opportunities for training are available with most of the:
• Agricultural/Veterinary Universities of various states
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras
• State Department of Animal Husbandry
 • You can also choose to inquire with National level organization like: National Dairy
Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal (Haryana) - For training on rearing of dairy animals and
manufacture of milk products.

Alternately, you can also look for training facilities of

non-governmental organizations that are active in farming sectors.

Cow
Good quality cows
are available in the market
and it cost around Rs.1200 to Rs.1500 per liter
of milk production per day.
(e.g. Cost of a cow producing
10 liter of Milk per day will be between
Rs.12, 000 to Rs.15, 000).
If proper care is given,
Cows breed regularly giving one calf every 13-
14 month interval.
They are more docile and can be handled
easily. Good milk yielding cross breeds
(Holstein and Jersey crosses) has well adapted
to Kashmiri climate.
The fat percentage of cow's milk varies from
3-5.5% and is lower then Buffaloes.
Buffalo
In India, we have good buffalo breeds like
Murrah and Mehsana, which are suitable for
commercial dairy farm.
Buffalo milk has more demand for making
butter and butter oil (Ghee), as fat percentage
in milk is higher then cow.
Buffalo milk is also preferred for making tea, a
welcoming drink in common Indian household.
Buffaloes can be maintained on
more fibrous crop residues,
hence scope for reducing feed cost.
Buffaloes largely mature late and give birth to
calves at 16 to 18 months interval.
Male calves fetch little value.
Buffaloes need cooling facility e.g. Wallowing
tank or showers / foggers with fan.

.
Popular breeds
The exotic breeds of cattle are Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Brown Swiss.
Popular buffalo milch breeds are Murrah, Surti, Mehasani, Jaffrabadi, and Nali - Ravi and
Badhawari.
The indigenous milch breeds of cattle are Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi and Tharparkar.
Economic life of buffaloes is 5-6 lactation and that of Crossbreed cows is 6-7 lactation.

The minimum economic size

Under our conditions a commercial dairy farm should consist of minimum 20 animals (cows only
or cows plus buffaloes) this strength can easily go up to 100 animals in proportion of 70:30 or
60:40 After this however, you need to review your strength and market potential before you chose
to go for expansion.
The space required per animal should be 40 sq.ft in shed and 80sq.ft open space.

Besides, you will also need:

1. One room 10'' x 10'' for keeping implements.
2. One room 10''x 12'' for milk storage
3. Office cum living room of suitable size.
4. Water tank capable of storing minimum 2000 liters
5. Bore well with capacity to fill water tank in 1 hr

Total land requirement for a unit of 20 animals can be sited as 3000 sq.ft. There should be space
for expansion. Ideal space requirement for 100 animals is 13,000 to 15,000 sq.ft (120" x 125'').
For 20 animals initially, you can make contractual arrangements for getting an assured supply of
300 kgs. of Lucerne and 400 kgs. of maize/oats fodder per day.
However, in long run, as the strength of you farm will go up to 100 animals, It is advisable that
you should go for a lease land of 15 to 20 acres with irrigation facility to cultivate green fodder for
your animals.
(One acre of green fodder cultivation for every five animals is required as a thumb rule.)
The economics of whole dairy animal management depends upon its economic feeding.
By making fodders like Lucerne or Berseem available for your animals you can reduce cost on
feeding concentrate feed.

The strength of laborers in your farm can vary with number of animals usually the thumb rule is
one labour for every 10 animals on milk or 20 dry animals or 20 young stock.